Why you're carrying too many cards
Ted DavisShare
And How It’s Slowly Ruining Your Wallet
If your wallet looks swollen, stretched, or tired, it’s not the leather’s fault.
It’s yours.
We blame “bad wallets” when they warp, crack, or wear out early — but most of the time, the problem is simple:
You’re carrying too much crap.
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Receipts Aren’t Memories
Receipts don’t belong in your wallet. They fade, crumble, and smear ink everywhere. You don’t need to carry evidence that you paid for gas last Tuesday.
If you really need a record, take a picture. Otherwise, trash it.
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Dead Cards = Dead Weight
Go through your wallet right now and count these:
Old loyalty cards
Expired gift cards
Blockbuster-era membership cards
Business cards from someone you’ll never call
Why are you keeping them? If you haven’t used something in months, it doesn’t deserve permanent residency in your pocket.
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More Cards = More Damage
Overstuffing doesn’t just look bad — it physically destroys wallets:
Stretched card slots
Cracked edges
Warped stitching
Bent leather fibers
Even high-quality full-grain leather suffers when you treat it like a storage unit.
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The 6-Card Rule
Here’s the sweet spot for everyday carry:
✔ 1 ID
✔ 2 Primary cards (debit/credit)
✔ 1 Backup card
✔ 2 folded bills (just in case)
That’s enough for 99% of your life. Everything else can stay in a drawer, your glove box, or on your phone app.
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Carry Like a Grown Man
Your wallet says something about you.
Not because of the brand — but because of your habits.
A slim, intentional carry shows you respect your gear and your own pocket.
> Trim the junk. Carry the essentials. Let your wallet do its real job.